News & Events

River Journeys With Griff Rhys Jones (BBC Press release)

Posted: 16/07/2009

BBC One has commissioned a new five-part series, River Journeys With Griff Rhys Jones, in which the actor and comedian sets out on a new adventure and explores how rivers have influenced, nurtured and powered our lives throughout history. From the powerful torrents of Scotland to the flatlands of East Anglia, Griff barges, canoes, swims, walks and sails his way along this often hidden network which has been the life-blood of the country.

In London Griff explores the relationship between cities and rivers and discovers the vital balance between water coming in – and waste going out.

Heading north, he travels from Liverpool to the Humber across Britain's working rivers, along the way swimming in the Mersey and going underground to help clean up the UK's network of hidden rivers.

In Scotland Griff travels east upstream from Kinlochleven into one of the most remote areas of the country and follows the fast and furious course of water downstream to Perth.

In the West Country he follows the mighty Severn from its source in the Welsh hills to the estuary 200 miles away.

And in East Anglia he sees the extraordinary contrast between the man-made ditches of the Fens, the Swallows And Amazons country of the Broads and the picturesque windy river Stour which finally leads him home.

"I am delighted to be making this series," comments Griff Rhys Jones.

"Rivers shaped our landscape and our history. They're the forgotten highways into the heart of Britain. There's always another bend in the river, what could be more satisfying than to go around it and see what we find?"

Executive Producer Ludo Graham adds: "As a keen sailor and canoeist Griff has a natural affinity with rivers, and in this fascinating series he shares with us his passion for the nation's waterways.

"On these aquatic journeys, he encounters an extraordinary range of people who use and work on our rivers – what he discovers along the way is quirky, moving and truly revelatory."